Murder accused denied bail in Botswana

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File photo

Published Feb 19, 2015

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Gaborone -

Three men accused of armed robbery and killing a police officer were denied bail in the Kanye Magistrate's Court in Botswana on Thursday.

Evans Mhiwatiwa, 44, from Zimbabwe, and Botswana nationals Gaofenngwe Seitiso, 34, and Thuso Tangomani allegedly robbed a cash loan outlet, Rosherville Investment Cash Loans, of P87 064 (R103 815) and stole a Toyota Allex valued at P50 000 (R59 620) in January.

During the alleged robbery, the men were involved in a shoot-out with police who arrived at the scene.

The men allegedly shot dead police officer Focus Isaiah who has since been buried.

Police shot the fourth alleged robber, Zimbabwean national Malibongwe Moyo, in both legs.

The four face charges of murder, robbery, attempted murder and possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.

Moyo, who was still in a critical condition in hospital, was not present when the three other men appeared in court for a bail application on Thursday.

Prosecutor Goitsemang Sekgabo successfully pleaded with the magistrate to remand the men in custody.

Letting them out of prison would compromise the State's case, Sekgabo said.

Background information on the three was not yet available, said Sekgabo.

Defence attorney Aobakwe Monamo said the State had failed to present any evidence to suggest that the accused men could not be granted bail.

Monamo questioned how granting the three bail would compromise the State's case, and there was no evidence to suggest this.

Magistrate Janet Phosa nevertheless denied the men bail and remanded them in custody.

Sapa

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